In a recent interview, Julia Willie Hamburg, the Minister of Culture in Niedersachsen, expressed her support for implementing an age verification system for social media platforms. According to Hamburg, this can be achieved through a technical solution, citing the example of existing apps that use a verification process involving a one-time photo of a government-issued ID, a manual upload, and a human review in cases of uncertainty.
The minister also mentioned that the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs is working on a verification system that would require the uploading of identification documents or birth certificates. Hamburg believes that this would be a crucial step in effectively enforcing age restrictions.
However, she emphasized that it is not necessary to create excessive bureaucracy to implement an age verification system without the need for an ID. Hamburg’s proposal for an age limit on social media platforms is aimed at better protecting children from violent content, problematic role models, and fake news. Studies have shown that children can only filter out information effectively after a certain age, and Hamburg also highlighted the issue of algorithmic addiction.
Regarding media education in Niedersachsen, Hamburg acknowledged that the schools are not equally equipped, with some still needing to catch up. As a mother, Hamburg takes the age recommendations seriously and educates her children about the potential dangers of social media, emphasizing the importance of teaching children a responsible and informed approach to social media.